Ingredients

What is Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)?

Eitan Benson BSc

What is Vitamin B3 (Niacinimide)?

Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Niacinamide, nicotinic acid) is essential for the body’s function. Once absorbed B3 becomes NAD, a kind of energy carrier with a wide range of uses in the cell. When it comes to skin it has been shown to be useful in reducing inflammation associated with acne and rosacea and in hydrating the skin.

B3 is found in animal products, seeds, mushrooms, avocados and many others.

When applied topically, niacinamide contributes to the support of the skin’s barrier against pollutants and other irritants. As a result, many skin conditions, such as acne, the redness associated with rosacea, and other inflammatory signs can be actively managed. It has shown to be useful for encouraging the production of natural emollients that can help boost skin hydrated.

What does it do?

When topically applied B3 (niacinamide) plays an important role in supporting the skin’s ability to protect us against pollutants and irritants. It plays a role in boosting cell turn over and the production of ceramides – lipid (fatty molecules) which help keep the protective payer of the skin in good condition and aid in retaining moisture.

It has been shown to reduce inflammation associated with acne and rosacea, and as its an antioxidant it is beneficial for photo-aged skin and can aid in the reduction of pigment spots.

Safety?

Therapies including large doses of B3 can result in various kinds of ‘flushing’, a kind of temporary localised fever. Headaches, diarrhoea, nausea and other side effects have been reported.

Other names?

Vitamin B3 is more normally called Niacin. In skin care products its derivatives may be known as Nicotinic Acid (NTA), Niacinamide (NCA).